Women’s Animal Center is one of 18 new Historical Markers awarded by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission for its state and national significance as America’s First Animal Shelter. The Marker was dedicated in a special ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 11 a.m. at 1320 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, the location of the organization’s first offices.
Originally the Women’s Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, this early animal welfare organization established the first animal shelter in the nation and became an inspiration and model for similar groups.
Founded in 1869, principally by social reformer Caroline Earle White, it pioneered humane standards in animal capture and transport, housing and sanitation, employee training and euthanasia; and also initiated educational programs and organized the nation’s first junior humane societies. The organization relocated to its present location in Bensalem in 1994, and is now known as Women’s Animal Center.
“The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is pleased to partner with Women’s Animal Center to dedicate the newest of about 2,500 historical markers that have been erected across the state,” said Karen Galle, Historical Marker Program Coordinator for PHMC. “The historical marker program is one of our agency’s most popular programs and it establishes an important link to the past. Historical markers speak to us and to future generations about outstanding women, labor and military history, government and politics, African Americans, artists and performers, education, science and medicine, the environment, Native Americans and so much more. These single threads are woven into the great tapestry which is our rich and diverse heritage.”
Women’s Animal Center’s Marker Dedication Ceremony included remarks by special guests Nancy Moses, Chair of the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission; and Bernard Unti, Ph.D., Senior Policy Advisor and Special Assistant to the President & CEO for the Humane Society of the United States in Washington, DC. The ceremony concluded with the official unveiling of the new Marker, led by WAC Board President Suzanne Bushy.
“2019 marks the 150th anniversary of the Women’s Animal Center’s founding, and thus the beginning of the sheltering movement in our country,” Bush reflected. “So it is especially meaningful to be awarded a marker this year, and to conclude our anniversary celebrations with its dedication.”
The ceremony was immediately followed by a reception for invited guests.
More information on the Historical Marker Program is available at phmc.pa.gov/preservation/historical-markers/Pages/default.aspx
